Tag Archives: cut paper

Arting for 365 Day 116: Cut Outs Turned Jewelry

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Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days

As some of you may know, from time to time over the past few months I have been creating paper cut outs. The detailed, flowing pieces are nice and I generally like them, but I have felt like I need to push the work in a new direction.

For day 116 I tackled the cut paper again. I chose to slice into an old, not-so-fabulous watercolor. This go-round, though, I challenged myself to do something different with the finished piece. I thought about keeping it whole and manipulating it to create a new form. But as I looked at the design more closely, I realized that many of the details would make really great individual pieces for necklaces. I sliced up the original and got prepped to dive into the resin again.

I really like this idea. The shapes are intricate and interesting, and each is an original.

My issue – surprise, surprise – seems to be execution. While I didn’t have near the mess on my hands as I did my first attempt with the stuff, there were some uneven areas and drips. The good news is that every time I take a whack at this resin thing I learn a little bit. So drips be damned! I’ve got a few more ideas up my sleeve to help me figure this process out.

Until next time.

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Arting for 365 Day 101: Fluorescent Cut Paper II

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Day 101 (8/7/12): Fluorescent Paper Cut 2Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days

You know when you do something and do it again in hopes of figuring out just exactly what you’re trying to do? Well, that seems to be the case with these cut paper projects. What have I figured out? I don’t know exactly except that:

  1. I go through a lot of X-acto blades
  2. My pointer finger ends up a smidge sore
  3. My flip off (aka middle) finger is building up a great callus
  4. The designs, while intricate and lovely, aren’t pushing my brain enough
  5. I need to approach them differently
  6. I’m not exactly sure what “differently” looks like

To be continued…

Arting for 365 Day 89: Cut Paper Abstraction 4 aka: First Official Project in New Studio Space

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Day 89 (7/26/12): Cut Paper Abstraction 4Goal: To create one piece of work each day for 365 consecutive days

It is official. I am lucky enough to have landed some studio space at Rendition Gallery, a local joint here in Ft. Collins! I got all moved in yesterday and am super excited and a wee bit nervous for the opportunity to work and show there.

The downside to this big move is that my time spent working alongside Box (the cat) will be greatly diminished. I do, however, gain significantly more human interaction – with really great artists, no less.

My first official, completed project in the new space was this cut paper design. I feel like choosing to do a cut paper piece was a great decision for yesterday. With nerves being a bit high, it was a good way for me to relax and just enjoy the process of creating.

As for Box; his crying upon us getting home leads me to believe he is not as happy with the situation as I am.

Oh – If you’re in Ft. Collins, CO, over the next six months, stop on in. I’d love to see you!

Original piece available for purchase.

Arting for 365 Day 86: Berry Fields in Cut Paper

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Day 86 (7/23/12): Berry Field Cut PaperGoal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days

Back roads under cloudy skies

Birds in mid-flight discussion

A cool breeze welcomed through a rolled down window

We travel on, while fields of blueberries ripen

Original piece available for purchase.

Arting for 365 Day 81: Fluorescent Cut Out Abstraction

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Goal: To create one work of art each day for 365 consecutive days

I believe it was in the eighth grade that I worked lovingly on a detailed drawing, and halfway through, spilled food on it. I didn’t throw the work away and I actually don’t remember being too upset about it (my parents may remind me otherwise). Instead I simply covered the food stain by drawing an image of some sort over it.
I have held tight to the notion that something is only a “mess up” if you aren’t willing to change course.
Yesterday, a few minor botches in cutting started adding up to big botches. I took my own advice and changed course. Flipping my paper over in order to more easily ignore my original design, I began cutting freestyle. The result is this flowing cut paper design that I feel is a success.

This 8 x 10″ piece (super fluorescent but the pic didn’t capture it) will be available for purchase eventually. Right now I’m running a race in Washington! I’ll put it on Etsy when I get back.

Arting for 365 Day 80: Cut Out for It

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Day 80 (7/17/12): Cut Out for It

11 x 14″ Cut paper

Years back an acquaintance of mine let me know that my ink drawings reminded him a bit of a fantastic artist named Nikki McClure. While her work was cut paper, I think the style of our lines might have been what made a connection for him. I dug that he likened my work to hers, but had no desire to move in the paper cutting direction.

Since that time I have come upon the work of Beatrice Coron and a few others who happen to be amazingly talented cut paper artists. Inspired by the work they do and knowing that I need to push myself to experiment with new processes; I decided to take a crack it.

My initial attempt on this piece was so-so. I was desperately trying for precise, controlled lines with a big ‘ol box cutter like thing (I don’t recommend this but my exacto blade was dull). But after buying new blades to clean up my initial cuts and adding more detail, I found I loved the process. The challenge of manipulating the paper into intricate designs is fantastic! I’m pretty darned sure there will be more of these to come.

This original piece available for purchase.